Irlam Endowed Primary School Nursery

Learning to take turns and listen to others gives this nursery its clearest character. In March 2023, Ofsted found that children in the early years settled promptly and developed these everyday social skills. They matter: joining a group involves learning how to share attention as well as how to learn.

At Irlam Endowed Primary School on Chapel Road, the nursery has up to 30 full-time places. Children start aged three, provided their third birthday falls before 31 August in their entry year, and usually spend the year here before moving to Reception aged four.

Early learning includes the practical business of following directions, listening and waiting for a turn. The March 2023 early-years findings describe children gaining these skills, making participation in group learning an important part of their start at school.

Phonics, learning the relationship between letters and sounds, also reaches the youngest early-years children. In March 2023, the programme followed a clear sequence with defined expectations for them. Reading staff had received training and used consistent teaching methods. This gives children a common approach as they begin learning to read.

There was a qualification to that picture. Across the school, some children struggling with reading received support that did not address their precise phonics difficulties, slowing their catch-up. That finding concerns the school's early-reading support; it should not be read as a judgement that every nursery child experienced the same problem.

Settling was a strength of the early years in March 2023: experienced staff helped children adjust quickly. For a child beginning group education, that support makes the social demands of the day easier to manage.

A colour monster book and colour monsters are used in every class to help children communicate their feelings at the beginning of the day. Staff can then talk individually with children who feel upset or angry. The concrete prompts give children a way to express emotions before they have to explain them in detail.

For additional learning needs, the school's Salford Thrive model organises support in stages. Its Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision (OAIP) includes adjustments and strategies that do not depend on a formal diagnosis. Targeted interventions use an Assess-Plan-Do-Review cycle, while more complex needs may involve educational psychologists or speech and language therapists.

Some children receiving additional SEN support have Individual Educational Plans (IEPs). These are shared with parents and revised regularly, giving families a part in understanding the support and tracking changes. Parents can contact the SENDCo through the school office.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application to Salford local authority through the Family Portal, with applications due by 15 January for September entry in that same year.

Attendance at the nursery does not confer priority under the listed oversubscription arrangements. After places for children whose EHCP names the school, the criteria cover looked-after and previously looked-after children, children in need, qualifying siblings and distance from home. Families should therefore treat choosing the nursery and obtaining a Reception place as separate decisions.

Full-time nursery places are the stated attendance model. To arrange a school visit, contact the office. The current contact number is 0161 566 1887, and the email address is office@irlamendowed.salford.sch.uk. The school is on Chapel Road, Irlam, M44 6EE.

Nursery applications use the Family Portal too. The same 15 January deadline applies to September places in the relevant year, so application planning belongs alongside choosing the provision.